~ Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has declared a state of disaster in 85 counties due to ongoing drought conditions and increased wildfire danger. This proclamation, issued on January 17, 2026, amends and renews a previous disaster proclamation from July 8, 2022.

The initial disaster proclamation was issued after Governor Abbott determined that exceptional drought conditions posed an imminent threat in several counties. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that these conditions persist in certain areas and contribute to the heightened risk of wildfires.

In accordance with Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has declared a disaster in Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Comanche,Culberson , DeWitt , Dimmit , Donley , Duval , Fayette , Foard , Frio , Gillespie , Goliad , Gonzales , Grayson , Guadalupe , Hall , Hardeman,Hays,Hidalgo,Jackson,Jim Hogg,Jim Wells,Karnes,Kenedy,Kendall,Kerr,Kinney,Kleberg,Lasalle,Lavaca,Lee,Live Oak,Llano,Lubbock,MataGorda,Maverick,Mcmullen,MEdina,Nueces,Pecos,presidio,Rael,San Patricio,starr,Terrell,travis,Uvalde,val Verde,victoria,washington webb wharton willacy williamson wilson zapata and zavala counties.

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Under Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code,Governor Abbott has authorized the use of all available resources from state government and political subdivisions to address this disaster. This includes suspending any regulatory statutes or orders that may hinder necessary actions to cope with the disaster, as outlined in Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code.

Governor Abbott has also authorized the suspension of any state statutes or administrative rules related to contracting or procurement if they impede emergency response efforts by state agencies. This suspension will remain in effect for the duration of the declared disaster.

As required by law, copies of this proclamation will be filed with relevant authorities. The Governor's proclamation can be viewed on the official website.

In his official statement, Governor Abbott stated that he has signed and sealed this proclamation at his office in Austin, Texas on January 17, 2026. It is attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.

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